Saratoga County Clerk, Halfmoon Town Board appointee take oaths

From left, state Sen. and former Saratoga County Clerk Kathy Marchione administers the oath of office to her successor, Craig Hayner, as his wife, Carolyn, and their children Luke, Ashley, Evan, and Emily (hidden behind Evan), look on during a swearing-in ceremony held at Halfmoon Town Hall in Halfmoon on Wednesday.
GLENN GRIFFITH - THE SARATOGIAN

HALFMOON >> New Saratoga County Clerk Craig Hayner took the oath of office Wednesday in Halfmoon Town Hall where he served as councilman for the past six years.

The oath was administered to Hayner by state Sen. Kathy Marchione (R,C, I-Halfmoon), with his immediate family looking on. Marchione is his immediate elected predecessor in the position. The salary for the position is $99,590 annually.

The new county clerk was one of eight officials sworn in during the 70 minute ceremony. Three recently elected office holders were joined by four victorious incumbents and recent Halfmoon Town Board appointee Daphne Jordan. The ceremony was witnessed by a standing room only audience of around 125 family, friends, and supporters of the participants.

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During his brief remarks, Hayner noted the work done by Marchione during her 15 years in the county position.

“This past year has been a journey,” he said. “Everywhere I go people tell me what big shoes I have to fill, and I already know that. Thank you for the work you do as a New York senator.”

He recognized several members of the office’s management team who were in the audience and singled out the county’s Return the Favor program for military veterans as especially beneficial. The program was created with strong support from Marchione.

“Return The Favor is a crown jewel that can grow,” Hayner said.

Other officials who were given the oath of office during the ceremony included Halfmoon Supervisor Kevin Tollisen, Receiver of Taxes Karen Pingelski, Town Justice Katherine Suchocki, Town Justice Lester Wormuth, Councilmen Walter Polak and Paul Hotaling and Councilwoman Jordan.

In her remarks prior to administering the oath to Jordan, Marchione credited Jordan’s determination to serve the people of Halfmoon. She noted Jordan how sought the committee’s endorsement for a council seat a third time after having been passed over twice.

In her remarks, Jordan said those who serve in elected office do not serve one particular political party or pursue a special interest but hold the position to serve the public. She promised to be open, accountable, accessible and responsive to residents.

“If there’s a good idea that’s presented I will support it and I will work for it,” she said. “Putting people first is my commitment to you. I will work hard and work with everyone to continue our successes recognizing our challenges are all focused on one goal, making our town a great place for families. I will work to preserve and protect Halfmoon’s special quality of life.”